Shout Factory has released the six Pink Panther films on Blu-ray. Five of them available for the first time, as part of their Select label, and some niggling quality issues aside, the films are more than worth the $60 price of admission. This is especially true, as the original Blu release alone is priced at $35.
The basis of the series, Blake Edwards’ original comedy stunner (1963) was photographed in TLA (8-perf), but the image harvest is from a 35mm reduction element. Released in early 2009, the film looks better than fine, without ever appearing special.
Bits of detritus can be occasionally seen from both the original negative as well as the IP. In addition, optical wet gate anomalies make a guest appearance. More obvious in a 4k up-rez than originally in HD.
Its should be noted, for clarity, that Mr. Sellers passed away in July of 1980, and the final film in the series, which was his final “appearance,” was created from B neg, trims, and outs.
The five films that followed, The Pink Panther, all seem to be older transfers, with acceptable image quality.
Regardless of that quality, the films remain one of the great testaments to not only Mr. Sellers’ extraordinary comedic abilities (“does your doog bite?” “that is not my minky…”), but of comedy as seen through the eyes of Blake Edwards during that era.
A Shot in the Dark (1964)
Image – 4
Audio – 5
4k Up-rez – 4
Pass / Fail – Pass
The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
Image – 4
Audio – 5
4k Up-rez – 4
Pass / Fail – Pass
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
Image – 3.75
Audio – 5
4k Up-rez – 3.5
Pass / Fail – Pass
The Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978)
Image – 3.5
Audio – 5
4k Up-rez – 3
Pass / Fail – Pass
The Trail of the Pink Panther (1982)
Image – 3.75
Audio – 5
4k Up-rez – 3.755
Pass / Fail – Pass
Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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